The Real Doctor Will See You Shortly: A Physician's First Year by Matt McCarthy

(Thank you to Blogging for Books for providing me with a copy of this book to review!)

about book:

In medical school, Matt McCarthy dreamed of being the sort of mythical, unflappable physician who could reach unreachable patients.  But when a new admission to the critical care unit almost died his first night on call as an intern, his visions of mastery quickly gave way to hopes of simply surviving life in the hospital.  McCarthy's brilliant second-year adviser, whom he called Baio (owing to his resemblance to the Charles in Charge star), proved to be a remarkable teacher with a wicked sense of humor, and McCarthy would learn even more from the people he cared for.  But no teacher could help McCarthy when an accident put his own health at risk and showed him all too painfully the thin line between doctor and patient.

Funny and candid, The Real Doctor Will See You Shortly offers a window into hospital life that dispenses with sanctimony and self-seriousness while emphasizing the black-comic paradox of becoming a doctor: How do you learn to save lives in a job where there is no practice?

my thoughts:

Engaging, honest, and unputdownable! I absolutely loved reading Matt McCarthy's memoir regarding his first year out of med school as an intern at Columbia University Medical Center.  It was refreshing to read about this newbie doctor thrown into hospital life headfirst and sharing about how overwhelmed, confused, and terrified he felt. Talk about a fascinating look into the world of doctors and hospitals!

I found myself easily imaging the scenarios that McCarthy put before us that he was experiencing firsthand - it was exciting and scary! His writing was rich and vivid with details and dialogue that enhanced his storytelling. And I loved reading about a doctor trying to figure out how to talk with his patients and not just talk at his patients.  I feel like some doctors act like they are doing us a favor, when in reality we are paying for their services.  So, I definitely enjoyed reading about McCarthy's actual experience as a first year intern - it was eye-opening and thought-provoking.  Makes you realize just how scared doctors can get, too.  

I have to admit that the book did remind me of  the first season of Grey's Anatomy (a show I LOVE), when Meredith and the gang are all trying to find their footing working at the hospital.  I couldn't help but re-watch a few episodes from that season and see McCarthy in all of those newbie doctors.   

The Real Doctor was definitely a fun and interesting read that I would happily recommend to fans of nonfiction works, especially those focused on the medical world - you will LOVE this book!!  And if you are interested in reading an excerpt from the book and learning more about Matt McCarthy, then check out this link. 



Thank you to Blogging for Books for providing me with a copy of this book to review!!